On Wednesday, February 15, 2012, the Long Island Association held its Annual Meeting and Luncheon at the Crest Hollow Country Club in Woodbury. Kevin Law, President & CEO of the LIA, looked back at the LIA''s 2011 accomplishments as well as their plans for 2012.

Kirk Kordeleski, President & CEO of Bethpage Federal Credit Union, was voted in as the new Chairman of the LIA. He replaces Brian Cullen, Co-Chief Operating Officer of King Kullen, whose three year term had expired. Law also unveiled the LIA''s new logo and reinvented website (www.longislandassociation.org). Additionally, the LIA has launched five new member strategic committees.

Economic Development and Infrastructure Committee, co-chaired by Steve Savage, Chief Information Officer for CA Technologies and Tracey Edwards, Vice President Region Operations for Verizon. The Economic Development and Infrastructure Committee looks at ways to grow Long Island's economy and create jobs while also evaluating issues that include transportation, housing, real estate, minority and women owned businesses and international trade.

Environment and Energy, co-chaired by Robert Catell, Chairman of the Advanced Energy Research & Technology Center and Harry Davitian, President of Entek Power Services, Inc. The Environment and Energy Committee considers a variety of issues, including green jobs and generation, efficiency, groundwater protection, agriculture and clean air.

Financial Services and Tax Policy Committee, co-chaired by Jeffrey Alter, CEO Northeast Region for UnitedHealthcare and William Savino, Managing Partner of Rivkin Radler LLP. The Financial Services and Tax Policy Committee explores tax, insurance and banking issues and the impact of various proposals and regulations on the region.

Health, Education and NFP Committee, co-chaired by Sam Stanley, President of Stony Brook University and Robert Isaksen, LI Market President of Bank of America. The Health, Education and NFP Committee discusses health insurance and accessibility, education opportunities and ways to foster the work of not-for-profit organizations.

Small Business and Sole Proprietor Committee, co-chaired by Katherine Heaviside, President of Epoch 5 Marketing, Inc. and Ernie Canadeo, President of The EGC Group, Inc. The Small Business and Sole Proprietor Committee advances positions that support the great majority of Long Island's business community: small businesses.

At the luncheon, Law also moderated a discussion with New York Jets coach Rex Ryan and former NFL quarterbacks and current television commentators Phil Simms and Boomer Esiason. Approximately 800 people from Long Island''s business community were in attendance.

"The LIA achieved many successes in 2011 and looks forward to keeping the momentum going with our plans for 2012," said LIA President & CEO Kevin Law. I congratulate our new Chairman, Kirk Kordeleski, as he will be a tremendous asset in our efforts to grow the Long Island economy and thank Brian Cullen for his terrific service as the Chairman for the last three years. The five new member strategic committees will help shape and support LIA policy positions, and our revamped website will enhance our networking with the business community."

"I believe in the great strength of Long Island and its extraordinary ability to adapt and change its economy, and we will do everything at the LIA to promote the growth and success of all businesses, said Kirk Kordeleski, President and CEO, Bethpage Federal Credit Union. "I look forward to working closely with the LIA Board of Directors and a visionary leader like Kevin Law to advocate on behalf of Long Island businesses and continue to build upon the LIA''s rich history of achievements."